Recreating the magic of a sell-out collection is no easy feat, especially when that collection is Gap x Victoria Beckham which made quite the impression with its spring debut.
Having tried the first collection in spring, I was keen to see what she'd bring to the table this time around. And, looking at the rails in the showroom, it was clear that the second drop wasn't trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it builds on the groundwork laid in spring/summer, with more texture, considered shape and clever layering, all while keeping the wearability that makes Gap, well, Gap.
Victoria summed it up herself: ‘For this second drop, we wanted to build on the design language we established in the first collection, with a stronger focus on texture, proportion and layering, while keeping the ease and versatility that feels so intrinsic to Gap.’
You can see that thinking in the utility details running throughout, from cargo trousers and silver buttons to the stitching. It's the little things that make everyday pieces feel different, rather than something you've panick bought five minutes before leaving the house.
Enough said; let's get into the clothes actually worth your attention come launch day.
For reference, I'm typically a UK size 8 and stand at 5ft 10in, so I've included my sizing notes where they matter.
As soon as autumn rolls around, my wardrobe starts looking like a very committed fan of black. It's easy; it goes with everything, and nobody has ever had to talk me into buying another black coat. So imagine my surprise when the emerald green and burgundy pieces were the first things I gravitated towards. Victoria, you have my attention.
Both shades come in a satin bomber jacket, which is a lovely way to bring a bit of colour into your winter wardrobe without feeling like you're suddenly auditioning for a different personality. The jacket is described as oversized, although I'd say the fit runs a little smaller than expected. I'm wearing a medium, which was the size I felt most comfortable in with the prospect of layering anything underneath.
I paired the green bomber with the corduroy trousers, which, by the way, feel so good on. They sit snugly against the body, and you can tell some thought has gone into the construction rather than simply making another pair of trousers and calling it a day. I wore a medium in the trousers, size 28 regular. Now, if you're 5ft 10in like me, you probably already know what I'm about to say. The length isn't quite there. I like my trousers to hit the floor, not leave me wondering whether I've accidentally bought the petite version. We were blessed with a little more length in the first drop, so tall shoppers, consider yourselves warned.
If there's one category I'd head straight for, it's the outerwear. Funnel necks, latch collars and toggles that pull in the waist give the jackets enough personality to make the rest of your outfit feel almost irrelevant. And honestly, on those mornings when you cannot be bothered to assemble a look, a good coat is doing the Lord's work.
The parka is another one to look out for, especially if you missed it in the first drop. There's a second chance to get your hands on the style, this time in brown as well as green. And if you loved the denim capri co-ord from spring, there's a more grown-up take for winter.
There's one dress in the autumn/winter collection, which I tried on an XS. It has a jersey finish and thumbholes, giving it a sporty feel, but I'm still undecided. I couldn't quite work out whether it wanted to be a bodycon dress or a column dress, and the fit didn't convince me either way. Sometimes a piece just isn't for you, and this was one I'd want to try again before committing.
The knitwear, however, is a different story. The burnt orange knit was one of the softest things I tried, and I wore it in an XS. There are also butter yellow, vampy red and green knits, which makes a welcome change from the sea of grey and black that tends to take over our wardrobes by November.
The skirt gets an honorary mention too - hello, curves! It was genuinely flattering, and the fit made me appreciate the thought that's gone into how these clothes fit on the body.
Then there's the tuxedo shirt, which skips the usual collar in favour of cuffed sleeves. It's a nice alternative if your workwear rotation has become a little too predictable. I wore this alongside the cigarette trousers, which deserve a look if you spend most of your week in the office. They feel like leggings but look like proper trousers, with a split hem at the bottom to give them a little extra interest. You can throw it on at 8am and not regret it by lunchtime.
So, is the second drop worth it? I'd say yes, particularly if you missed out on the first collection or want to invest in pieces you'll actually wear on repeat. My advice is to start with the coats, pay attention to trouser lengths if you're tall, and don't be afraid to give the colour a chance. If the first drop is anything to go by, I'd have your basket ready before launch.
The Gap x Victoria Beckham autumn/winter 2026 collection launches on October 23 at 2pm BST, online at Gap.co.uk and in select stores. In the UK, you'll also find it at Gap's Covent Garden and Westfield White City locations, with prices ranging from £25 to £275.
Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.